Tell them little and keep them guessing appears to have been the mantra of the long-standing directors of this spectacular showcase event of the Hill & Dale series. There is always speculation about the direction, even if it is posted well in advance. Is it Ott first or Carn first? Is it clockwise or anticlockwise. To ensure that uncertainty prevailed it was declared that it was definitely Ott first and the race would go anticlockwise! That may seem fair enough to the unwise and the untrained until one realises that this would mean climbing Ott before coming back in the same direction. Needless to say, there was much chatter and debate and only one of the Race Directors was available for comment and he quickly declared, ‘that was nothing to do with me,’ leaving his long-suffering organising partner under the proverbial bus. All was resolved with and those registering were duly informed that it was most definitely Ott first in a clockwise direction. When someone with sense and wit in equal measures asked about next year’s race, ‘Carn first, clockwise’ was immediately proclaimed, though not by McCrickard!

In years gone by entries to this race were significantly lower than for the seven races that had preceded it. This is perhaps explained by two factors: firstly, many had completed the required number of events to qualify for the overall series prize and secondly, some viewed this particular race with some degree of trepidation due to its length and severity. Moreover, as history has shown, conditions can change very quickly in this area of the Mournes at this time of the year thus leading many to rightly conclude that discretion is the better part of valour. Notwithstanding these challenges, a record 243 had signed up using the highly effective and efficient registration system (our thanks to those behind the scenes volunteers who make this happen each week and make sure that the system is updated and ready to go on Thursday evening) and everyone was hoping that the weather which had been unpredictable throughout the week would afford a window of opportunity to ensure the race was as safe as possible.

And so it came to pass, albeit with the threat of showers and cloud throughout. Being properly equipped is mandatory and the safety of those leaving the start/finish area is always the most important priority. To that end we are grateful to the volunteers who took up posts on each of the summit peaks (Ott, Loughshannagh, Doan and Carn) and remained there until everyone had passed through. Equally essential are the sweepers from the club who run around at the back of the course and liaise with the summit marshals to add an extra level of support. No-one gets left behind and it is always a relief when the last competitor and those out on the course arrive back and we can be confident that everyone signed in is accounted for. To that end, we follow the FRA guidelines concerning carrying essential kit that will benefit competitors in the event that something untoward would happen. Thankfully on this occasion, the weather behaved and the sight of the colourful band of runners heading towards the first peak was joyous and glorious.

At the front end of the race the impressive Tom Crudgington, aiming for his sixth race victory of the season and thus make winning the overall series a certainty was showing the form that has made him unbeatable thus far. With grace and elegance, he attacked early and was able to build up an unassailable lead early on. This is all the more remarkable when one considers that he had ran up and down Slieve Donard in 55 minutes four days earlier. To underscore his total dominance to date he romped home more than three minutes ahead of his nearest rival to a hearty handshake from the right shovel of McCrickard. His time, 38:07 was exceptional and once again was declared a record for the race completed clockwise (or anticlockwise if the now silent RD is to be listened to!). Ashley Crutchley was second again and can count himself a little unfortunate as his time of 41:17 would have been good enough to win in previous years. Despite being well ahead of the third placed athlete, he showed no let up on the final descent and finished with considerable aplomb; again, outstanding in light of his efforts in the Slieve Donard race a few days earlier. There was a 1,2,3 for the host club with David Hicks (43:43) showing some good form and producing his best result in a long time.

The ladies’ race was a closer affair with Jog Lisburn’s Karen Wilton (51:00) a deserving winner on the night holding of the strong finishing power of Diane Wilson (52:49) with Esther Dickson rounding off the podium in 54:13. Wilton demonstrated great all-round ability, climbing strong and descending elegantly to lead home the 61 female competitors.

It has often been asked what happens when the runners leave? How do those involved in organising pass the time until the runners begin to emerge from a peak in the distance. The first thing is the erection of Uncle Frank’s finish funnel. This is a job that requires precision and finesse and usually begins with the gruff finish builder declaring, ‘over there somewhere will do rightly’! once the white posts have been securely grounded, rope and tape appears, usually enough to mark off the pyramid stage at Glastonbury! When Frank has deemed the finish funnel suitable, it is time for tea (if the RDs have the presence of mind to bring such items). This week was a good week and a myriad of treats were proffered to the eagerly awaiting team (some supplied by competitors Aine McNeill and Angie Kerr – hint to others taking part each week!!!). There were buns, biscuits and sweets in abundance, much to the delight of everyone at base camp. Watching one arm Pete trying to manage a bun, a biscuit and a cup of scalding tea with his left arm in a sling was most entertaining. There was also a bit of concern as McVeigh was shaking his head and looking doleful. Balancing concern for well-being with the outworkings of ‘poking the bear’, the decision was taken to enquire what was wrong. The response was heart-breaking, ‘I’m just not myself tonight, its already half seven and I haven’t fallen out with anyone yet.’

With cups and confectionary in hand it was time for a bit of intellectual debate and discussion. The opening gambit was prompted by Karen Wilton’s gorgeous new puppy, Eli. McCann tried to tell the story of the role of Eli in the call of the Prophet Samuel as recorded in the Old Testament. While the utterance of the word Prophet aroused interest from the Prophet, others were less keen to listen, and this conversation was quickly closed down by those who seemed much more interested in the deep and meaningful exchanges that had been initiated in the van – what colour Debbie was going to paint her toenails for her holiday abroad the next day. Ron was suggesting a subtle pastel shade, while Miss World thought a darker bolder colour might show off her impending tan much better! Contributions came thick and fast – Hen suggested a French Pedicure caveated by the fact that time was not her friend in getting this done, while Deon produced a tin of quick drying white gloss and a four-inch brush from a compartment in the van and offered to do the job there and then. While this offer did appear tempting, all plans were left in abeyance as it was time to get the big tools out and head for the finish. This was the first podiatry incident since Eamon McCrickard once cut Seamus Lynch’s toenails with the tin snips and an angle grinder before a race.

Once everyone was checked in, it was time to pack up, ensure that everything was as we found it and make the short trip down the S of Spelga to the Horseshoe Bar, aka Mary Margarets. This has been a regular haunt for as long as I can remember and its popularity was evidenced by the large numbers gathering in the bar, the forecourt and the kitchen. Showing that there was no end to their talents, the RDs rolled up their sleeves once more, and ably assisted by Beata, Angie, Natalie (and her mum Diane!), doled out the food that Rita had lovingly prepared for the assembled hordes. With their bellies full and the craic in full swing it only remained to announce the results (even though everyone already knew them via the wonders of technology and the recent introduction of Wi-Fi in Hilltown) and hurl a few insults at those with heads above the parapet. Regrettably, due to his height, this meant that Hill & Dale veteran (in all senses of the word) Brian Wilson was left cruelly exposed. As the crowds dispersed, the organisers were left to ruminate on what had been a very smooth and enjoyable evening – its amazing the difference a bit of good weather makes.

Thursday 12 June is the penultimate race of the series – the Meels – Please remember to register before the deadline and keep an eye on our socials for final instructions from Race Directors Stevie Rice and Sam McNeilly. Finally, the last race of the series (Drinahilly) is on Friday 20 June to allow for celebration of what has been another outstanding year of Hill & Dale.